A typical French breakfast consists of a croissant or bread with butter and jam and sometimes a sweet pastry. Fresh fruit juice and hot beverages, like coffee or tea, are also included.

A traditional French breakfast, known as le petit déjeuner, is a relatively light, sweet, and carbohydrate-focused meal that prioritizes quality over quantity. Unlike the savory "Full English" or American breakfast, the French rarely eat eggs, bacon, or sausages in the morning. The cornerstone is the baguette or tartine (a slice of bread topped with butter and fruit jam or honey). This is often accompanied by viennoiseries such as croissants, pain au chocolat, or brioche, though in most French households, these buttery pastries are reserved for weekends or special occasions rather than daily consumption. For beverages, the French typically drink café au lait (coffee with milk), hot chocolate, or tea, often served in a large bowl (un bol) rather than a mug to facilitate dipping their bread or croissants. Children frequently eat cereals or "biscottes" (crisp toasts). In 2026, while modern health trends have introduced more yogurt and fruit to the morning table, the artisanal boulangerie remains the heart of the French morning ritual, where residents still queue for a fresh, warm loaf of bread to start their day.